YEAR IN REVIEW
2020 - 2021
Our Values
We believe in relentlessly experimenting to find solutions to our region’s workforce challenges. We embrace a commitment to equity in all that we do to ensure our efforts help address past inequities and offer fair treatment and equitable access to all customers.
Big Picture Numbers
Top Highlights from 2020-21
A renewed commitment to racial equity and inclusion
In April of 2021, the KentuckianaWorks Board of Directors approved a new Strategic Plan detailing the organization’s efforts to build a more prepared and equitable workforce. The Racial Equity priority calls on KentuckianaWorks to make sure that we are making the largest difference possible for African-Americans across all of the work that we do.
Equity Dashboard
To track our progress, we created a data dashboard that displays updated demographic information about all our programs.
Diversity in Tech
We produced a series of new testimonial videos for Code Louisville designed to appeal to members of underrepresented groups in technology.
KentuckianaWorks also pledged to seek new resources and funding to go toward building and supporting racial equity, among other actions. To see the full list of priorities, you can read our 2021 Strategic Plan here >>>
11 seasons of SummerWorks and 7,300+ youth placed in summer jobs
Since Mayor Fischer started SummerWorks in 2011, the program has directly placed more than 7,300 of young adults 16-21 in jobs and more than 39,000 youth have been employed by its partner employers. This season, more than 100 private sector employers in Louisville hired youth through SummerWorks. JCPS also became a major employer for the first time.
You can hear from a few of the 2021 SummerWorks participants in the videos below.
Academies of Louisville partnership makes big strides amidst Covid-19 challenges
The continued impact of COVID-19 made the 2020-21 school year one of the most challenging in recent memory for students, educators, administrators, and parents. However, the strong partnership of KentuckianaWorks, Greater Louisville Inc. and Jefferson County Public Schools ensured that the Academies of Louisville continued to improve student access to the hands-on learning and real-world work experiences that make this initiative one of the most ambitious of its kind in the country.
After four years of implementation, the Academies of Louisville, with the support of over 120 business partners, continues to align education and workforce development needs to better prepare students for postsecondary and career success.
One new addition is the KentuckianaEARNS platform, which helps students prepare for and get connected to job opportunities in the community. More than 700 students in the Academies completed work readiness training through the platform and more than 100 private businesses posted their open positions this past summer. This new tool will be rolled out more broadly in JCPS and across the Louisville region during the 2021-22 school year.
You can see more from the past year at JCPS in the photo gallery and videos below.
The transition from high school into college or a job can be overwhelming. As part of our partnership with the Academies of Louisville at JCPS, we produced this helpful video for high schools seniors.
Mayor Fischer and other local leaders share their words of appreciation for the dedication that JCPS team members showed during the challenging 2020-2021 school year.
Code Kentucky begins recruiting students in northern and Eastern Kentucky
Those who live in Northern and Eastern Kentucky now have a new pathway into the booming technology sector: Code Kentucky. This new software development training program, which is funded through a grant from the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, blends self-guided online learning with weekly classroom meetups and mentorship. The program is run by KentuckianaWorks and modeled after the highly successful Code Louisville program. Learn more here >>>
“This training has already helped more than 600 people start careers in coding and technology in Louisville, so it has a proven track record of getting results. We’re very excited to start offering this opportunity to more Kentuckians.”
Kentuckiana Builds & Louisville Urban League celebrate success
Earlier this summer, community leaders Sadiqa Reynolds of the Louisville Urban League, Kentucky Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Michael Gritton of KentuckianaWorks, and employers gathered to celebrate the success of the Kentuckiana Builds training program, which has now placed nearly 300 of its graduates into construction careers.
“Preparing these men and women for the booming construction industry is making it possible for us to take revitalization into our own hands,” Reynolds said at the new Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Complex in West Louisville. She pointed out the fact that multiple Kentuckiana Builds graduates helped build the state-of-the-art $53 million facility.
Sadiqa Reynolds, President and CEO of Louisville Urban League.
Job Placements
Helped 940 people get jobs through job training scholarships, workforce readiness preparation, or other direct, one-on-one interventions.
“You had someone trying to help you secure a position, you had free tools available...and you had a mentor.”
“I’ve transformed heart, mind, and soul…without you guys this wouldn’t be possible.”
“Everything was professional. Everybody was respectful...I give the program 5 stars!”
Education & Training
“The KCAC staff gave me more self confidence about the entire process of going back to school.”
“These places are the little miracles that can forever change your future. ”
Labor Market Intelligence
The KentuckianaWorks LMI team produced a variety of reports on our local workforce as well as new educational resources used in schools across the region.
Here are some more LMI highlights:
The popular Labor Market Update e-newsletter, which features the latest unemployment rate numbers and analysis, continues to reach more than 2,700 subscribers each month.
Special reports by LMI covered a variety of topics, including:
You can find more of the LMI team’s reports and research here >>
Our Top Local Career charts like this one are being used in schools and career centers throughout the 7-county region.
Mismatch between employers seeking workers and people seeking work
Automation & Our Workforce during COVID-19
Serving 7 Counties
The addition of new career centers and other mobile services over the past year has made it easier for residents of our 7-county region who live outside Jefferson County to access career assistance that is convenient for them.
The brand new Buckman Street Center in Bullitt County, which offers career resources for both adults and youth, opened in early 2021. KentuckianaWorks is also part of the Hope Center in Eminence, which serves residents of Henry, Oldham, and Trimble counties.
Residents of Oldham, Spencer, and Trimble counties can also find KentuckianaWorks staff at their public libraries weekly. Click here for a full listing of KentuckianaWorks locations in our 7-county region.
“I had no clue what I was going to do after high school. With the help of the KYCC, I have now started college at JCTC and have a plan for my future.”
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Services to Businesses and Sector Strategies
In addition to providing our regular suite of business services, including facilitating custom hiring events (virtual and in-person), running employee recruitment campaigns, coordinating Rapid Response activities and more, KentuckianaWorks and its programs have been finding new creative ways to support businesses in the region.
Much of this work continues to be inspired by our membership in the National Fund for Workforce Solutions.
Recent highlights include:
Working with the Health Careers Collaborative of Greater Louisville to update the regional approach to clinicals scheduling for students in healthcare courses of study
Partnering with local employers to increase access to high-quality jobs by redesigning frontline roles so they support worker resilience
“Code Louisville has had a massive impact on El Toro over the years...they’ve got a hell of a program to get people ramped up in development and ready to be productive from Day 1.”
Thank You
Thank you to our Board of Directors, Chief Local Elected Officials, Program Oversight Committee members, as well as the funders and partners listed below.
Without your leadership and support, none of this work would be possible.
Funders ($5,000 and up)
Community Foundation of Louisville
Cralle Foundation Inc
Diaz Family foundation
Evolve502
FHI 360
GINKGO FUND
Henry Heuser, Jr.
James Graham Brown Foundation
jefferson County Public Schools
JPMorgan Chase
Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services
Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet
Louisville Metro Government
Louisville Redevelopment Authority
Mary Gwen Wheeler and David Jones Jr.
U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
U.S. Department of Labor
Contractor Partners
@Work Solutions
AHEAD Human Resources
Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO)
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
Jefferson County Public Schools
Louisville Urban League
Preeminent Training Specialists
Equus Workforce Solutions
YouthBuild Louisville